“Hold up on that!” he told them, sharply; “I want just one person to tell me—here, you boy, you seem to know him okay—tell me his name, will you, and where he lives—nobody else break in now, get that? Go on, George, speak up!”
“My name’s Jimmy—his’n is Laddy Boy—he lives with his granny Mrs. Fergussan right ’round that next corner, in a little shack.”
“Fine for you Jimmy—lead us to it; and please everybody stop pushing—that shouting must be dropped, or you’ll have the old lady frightened half to death before we get there. Now start along, Jimmy—you’re a good pal to tie to, I’ll say.”
So they made a start, with scores following after them, all talking; but in more subdued tones. Possibly they realized that this young chap with the capable look, and firm voice, was one accustomed to having his orders obeyed without any questions being asked, and that he would brook no interference.
As they turned into the side street the young pilot hastened to point in the direction of a small old, but respectable looking cottage of some three rooms, that was surrounded by masses of flowers in full bloom.
Jack could see the door of the small house was wide open, and that an elderly woman stood there, shading her eyes with a hand, as she watched the approach of the crowd. Undoubtedly she must have heard what had been so loudly shouted, when the mad dog was causing such a panic on Main Street—she may even have started toward the nearby corner, with a great fear tugging at her heart, knowing her Laddie Boy was going about on the little errand she had entrusted to him; but if so fear had driven her back to the home, where she could slam the door shut in case personal peril threatened her.
Seeing Jack in the lead of the procession, carrying some object in his arms, she came flying down to meet him, looking aghast.
“Don’t be so alarmed Mrs. Ferguson,” Jack said, sympathizing with her new fears; “he wasn’t bitten by the dog; but had the bad luck to sprain his ankle. It’s nothing serious, I’m telling you straight—lead the way, and I’ll put him on a bed, when you can send for the doctor to look him over; but don’t worry—he’s safe enough, I promise you.”
Presently Jack joined his partner.
“Let’s go, matey,” Perk hastened to say, uneasily, as though he feared those admiring good folks outside were actually conspiring to pick him up on their shoulders, and march around town with the hero of the mad dog scare; something like that, but to which he was very must averse.